$113,000 TO CONTINUE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AT WAGGA WAGGA’S SUNFLOWER HOUSE

The Federal Government will provide $113,000 to Sunflower House in Wagga Wagga to continue supporting people with severe mental illness in the region.

The funding, to be provided this financial year, will enable Sunflower House to maintain its services while it adapts to the new mental health service environment under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Commonwealth’s funding is being matched by the NSW State Government. It will be administered through the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Government was pleased to help Sunflower House through the NDIS transition.

“Sunflower House does valuable work building the skills and capacity of people with severe mental illness, to empower and equip them for daily living tasks in the community,” Mr McCormack said.

“This also helps them to maintain their emotional and physical wellbeing, reduces social isolation and increases personal confidence and resilience.

“This focus on positive outcomes is good for individuals, for their families and carers, and ultimately, for the whole community.

“Sunflower House offers unique and individualised care and support.”

Sunflower House also helps clients to test their eligibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

As well as directly providing services, Sunflower House is a place where people with lived experience of mental illness can meet and take part in activities. It is highly valued by the local community.

“Support for mental health and suicide prevention remains one of the Government’s highest priorities,” said Minister for Health, Greg Hunt.

“In response to the mental health challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has committed more than $48 million towards the national Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan.

“This investment is in addition to approximately $500 million for mental health and suicide prevention announced by the Government since January, including Medicare subsidies for telehealth consultations.”

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network Chief Executive Officer Melissa Neal said she was pleased to be able to administer this Federal Government investment of Sunflower House.

“The programs offered by Sunflower House, like the upskilling opportunities, as well as support to test eligibility for the NDIS are critical to support mental health and wellbeing of its members,” Ms Neal said.

Sunflower House president Mark Horton said he was most grateful for the Federal Government’s support.

“The funds will be vital while we build a platform to transition to the NDIS, with the ultimate goal of being self-reliant,” Mr Horton said.

FAST FACTS

• The Australian Government will provide $113,000 to Sunflower House in Wagga Wagga in 2020-21.

• The funding will be matched by the NSW State Government.

• It will allow the service to continue its support for people with severe mental illness in the region, while it adapts to the new mental health service environment resulting from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

• Sunflower House does valuable work building the skills and capacity of people with severe mental illness, to empower and equip them for daily living tasks in the community.

• Support for mental health and suicide prevention remains one of the Government’s highest priorities.

Shane Manning